Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Astoria, Oregon is the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rockies. Astoria is about a half an hour from the end point of the Lewis and Clark expedition, making it a historically rich area. The Astoria urban area is home to just under 16,000 people. Retirees may be drawn to the region’s beauty, rich history, and the ease of access to the outdoors. However, it is not the most affordable retirement destination. With a population of under 16,000, the small coastal town of Astoria, Oregon at the mouth of the Columbia River has an outsized role in…

Key Takeaways Two-thirds of financial advisors are changing their retirement investment advice for clients due to a volatile market and economic uncertainty, according to a new report from Alliance for Lifetime Income.Financial advisors are changing their recommendations based on inflation, Social Security and Medicare uncertainty, and cost-of-living concerns.Advisors recommend considering their withdrawal strategy and evaluating assets they may not have incorporated. A volatile market and economic uncertainty have led financial advisors to shift how they’re helping clients make decisions. Two-thirds of financial advisors are changing their retirement investment advice for clients, according to a new report from Alliance for Lifetime…

John (Jack) Bogle, founder of Vanguard, one of the largest investment management firms in the world, was known for his practical personal finance advice for everyday investors. As the creator of the index fund in the 1970s, Bogle was a strong advocate of low-cost index investing and warned against what he considered speculative investments, such as gold and bitcoin. Bogle, who died in 2019, still has a legion of fans known as Bogleheads who promote and adhere to his investment philosophy. The principles that Bogle articulated decades ago remain relevant today. These are just three of his timeless principles. 1.…

Key Takeaways Investors and analysts are speculating about when Tim Cook may step aside as CEO of Apple, with the Financial Times suggesting it could come in 2026.Cook has overseen a period of tremendous growth for Apple, but some investors have recently worried the company has fallen behind on AI. Tim Cook ushered Apple into the age of smartwatches and wireless headphones. Will he be around for its AI era? Cook, 65, may retire from the CEO post as soon as next year, the Financial Times has reported, stepping back as the company tries to find its place in the…

The year 2025 is quickly coming to a close, and with it comes an important opportunity to review your financial strategy. Year‑end planning is especially critical for high‑net‑worth families, where thoughtful decisions can make a meaningful difference in preserving wealth, minimizing taxes and positioning for growth. To help you finish strong, I’ve outlined 13 key financial planning ideas to consider before the calendar turns to 2026.1. Being intentional With Your RMDsTake out Required Minimum Distributions before year-end. RMDs apply to folks who are 73 or older and to beneficiaries who inherit these accounts. If you are subject to RMDs and…

Key Takeaways NextEra Energy said Monday that it struck deals with Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms to support AI data centers.The energy provider also raised the lower end of its full-year profit forecast, and boosted its outlook for 2026. NextEra Energy is raking in new deals to power AI data centers. America’s largest energy infrastructure developer on Monday said it struck agreements with Alphabet’s (GOOGL) Google and Meta Platforms (META) to meet growing demand for energy to support AI data centers. NextEra (NEE) said it plans to work with Google to build out energy infrastructure for data center campuses across the…

Key Takeaways A likely Fed rate cut this week could push CD yields lower, but you can still lock in top rates today. CDs paying between 4.05% and 4.50% remain widely available, and locking in one of these yields gives you certainty for the full term—something a savings account can’t guarantee. See how much you can earn from today’s top CDs—from a bit over $50 in three months with a modest deposit to thousands of dollars on longer terms or larger balances. Why CD Rates Could Drop After the Fed Meeting This Week The Federal Reserve is widely expected to…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.According to Apple Music’s replay service, in November I listened to Emma Rawicz’s new album Inkyra for 16 hours, Steve Reich’s Runner for 10 hours, and the soundtrack to K-Pop Demon Hunters for five hours. Across a single month I listened to 95 hours of music from across the globe and across time. For this I paid a little bit under 0.004 of a penny per minute. This is a fantastic deal for consumers, and one that holds true in film and TV…

Key Takeaways Instead of following the 4% withdrawal rule, Morningstar estimates retirees can safely consider a 3.7% starting withdrawal rate in 2025.The 4% strategy suggests an initial withdrawal of 4%, while annually adjusting withdrawal rate for inflation thereafter, so as not run out of money during a 30-year retirement.Morningstar projects lower future returns on stocks, bonds, and cash, resulting in a withdrawal rate that’s lower than the 4% they suggested at the end of 2023.Other strategies they recommend to maximize retirement income are using a dynamic withdrawal strategy, carefully choosing when to collect Social Security, and using a bond ladder…

Key Takeaways Many Americans overspend during the holiday season and then struggle to pay off their debt.Younger adults are generally more likely to fund purchases with debt and not stick to budgets, a survey found.Experts say the best way to avoid this stressful situation is to plan ahead, budget carefully, look for offers, and spend within your means. What’s Driving Holiday Money Stress This Season Ideally, the holidays would be a time of peace and happiness. For many American adults, though, they result in overspending, difficult-to-manage debt, regret, and financial anxiety. A whopping 79% of the 2,084 adults surveyed by…